The Ring of Nature on Jericho's Town Green

Conservation Newsletter #6

The Ring of Nature 

Rings are often considered symbols of love in part because of the cyclical and eternal seamless form of their circle. 

There are many examples of circles in nature, some caused by natural growth, some formed by wind or water impact, and some created by animals.

Circles represent unity and protection.

If a wolf pack surrounds them muskoxen will form a tight circle, all facing outward, forming a phalanx of heads and horns.

Research has found that our brains feel safer around circular objects. In the Book of Circles, data visualization researcher Manuel Lima explains that circles are a 40,000-year-old human fixation because we are especially compelled towards the shape.

The circle is also used as a protective sign in many cultures.

“Rounded shapes tend to lean towards feelings of community and the more social aspects of life – hence ‘circle of friend's or ‘social circle’.”                   - Iron Dragon Design

We associate smooth curvature with healthy living organisms.

Circles promote openness, togetherness, and warmth. - Kerrie Woodhouse

So what’s with the rings or circles of fencing on the Jericho Town Green? 

As part of their effort to broaden understanding and implement wildlife and people-friendly landscape with climate in mind, The Jericho Conservation Commission is working to improve tree vigor and create some winter habitat for invertebrate life.

They recently installed picket fencing formed into a circle around some of the large trees and planted plugs of violet and PA Sedge. One of the trees in the project has considerable grass growing vigorously within the drip zone, so the strategy there is to use a cardboard cover approach, similar to how they started the Pollinator Garden. They will come back in the Fall with soil coverage, shade-tolerant perennials, and leaf mulch.

The fencing will help to protect the shallow roots of the trees from compaction and will contain fallen leaves within the drip line of each tree. Fallen leaves provide nutrients and an overwintering home for many species of insects including pollinators.  

“In fact, the vast majority of butterflies and moths overwinter in the landscape as an egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, or adult. Beyond butterflies, bumble bees also rely on leaf litter for protection. There are so many animals that live in leaves: spiders, snails, worms, beetles, millipedes, mites, and more—that support the chipmunks, turtles, birds, and amphibians that rely on these insects for food.” - Xerces Society

Signage may be added on-site to encourage folks to try the whole nine-yard approach underneath trees in their own homesteads.

“Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”            - Albert Einstein

Remember to leave room for the wild things!                                                 - Bernie

The information below about volcano mulching is from Maeve Kim.

"We so often see newly-planted trees and fine old trees with new mulch piled up around the base of the trunk - "volcano mulching". Sadly, that's a way to kill the trees, the new ones after three to six years or so. The mulch holds moisture against the bark and just about insures rot. Also, fine roots - which the tree should be sending down into the soil - tend to grow up, into the mulch, and do no good supporting the tree. I think landscaping companies often do volcano mulching out of ignorance, not because it's not a great way to ensure more tree sales in just a few years. For whatever reason, it's bad! Just search "volcano mulching" for many articles. Save those trees!"  Read more at Volcanoes Kill Trees!

Listen and watch the Dr. Seuss' the Lorax (2012) - Let It Grow Scene (10/10) | Movieclips

We will reap what we sow. Come on Jericho, Let it Grow.